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Scotland Spring: May 22 - June 4
Journey to this proud and ancient land in the Spring and see the marvellous Spring colors with the broom and the gorse, the wild Rhododendruns and the fields of Bluebells. And enjoy the Spring lambs frolocking in the fields.
Discover also the most ancient sites in the country deep in Argyll. Ancient burial tombs, standing stones, Dunadd the rock with the footprint in it where Kings stood to be crowned. All from one of Scotland’s ‘Hotels of Distinction’ on the shores of Loch Melfort.
From Inverness we’ll journey to the battlefield of Culloden, the 4,000 year old burial chambers, a magic spring still being used to this day, as well as the city itself, one of the fastest growing in Europe.
 Old highland village
Royal Deeside is another of our stops which will highlight the magnificent scenery, the tiny distillery of Royal Lochnagar as well as visit to the estate and the castle at Balmoral.
From a great location just outside of Dunblane we will discover Bannockburn, Stirling and the Trossachs where Rob Roy Macgregor lived and died. Then later it’s down to Edinburgh with time to make a brief visit to the Border country that saw centuries of warfare. We’ll also discover this rich and royal Capital City that is the World Heritage City of Literature and is one of the most beautiful in Britain.
Itinerary for Scotland journey of May 22-June 4, 2008
*All hotels are listed as four star.
*Full breakfasts and all dinners included.
*Start time each day is 9:30 a.m. except for any special circumstance. We endeavor to get you back to the hotel about 4:30 p.m. each day.
* We rarely spend more than an hour to an hour and a half on the coach without a break for either coffee or a visit.
*All tours escorted by Andy & Bev Fraser, principals of the Fraser Connection.
* Maximum of 25 guests.
* Two nights Loch Melfort Hotel, Argyll
* Three nights Drumossie Hotel, near Inverness
* Two nights Craigendarroch Hotel, Ballater, Royal Deeside
* Two nights Hilton Dunblane Hydro, Dunblane
* Three nights The Point Hotel, overlooking Edinburgh Castle
* Last night at Holiday Inn, Glasgow Airport
Price: $5,095 per person sharing. Single supplement $1,250
Tour only. Air and Insurance not included.
May 21 - Early night Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport - If you’ve chosen to come in early, you can put your feet up and relax.
May 22 - On our way from Glasgow we pass beside the legendary Loch Lomand with a stop at the heritage village of Luss right on the Loch before continuing to Argyll. Lunch is at Tyndrum and then we drive through the Pass of Brander in the shadow of Ben Cruachan before reaching Loch Melfort. (Loch Melfort Hotel)
May 23 - From Loch Melfort we will drop down to Kilmartin and discover ancient burial chambers and pictish ruins. Just a bit further is Dunadd, an ancient fortress and capital of Dalriada where the Scots first came to settle from Antrim. On a rock is carved a Boar as well as a cut-out of a footprint, the ancient site where Kings were crowned. This area is one of the most historic in Scots history. (Loch Melfort Hotel)
May 24 - Drumossie Hotel, near Inverness - Today we travel up the great glen passing Oban, Ballachulish, Fort William in the shadow of Ben Nevis and Spean Bridge our lunch stop. We will stop at the Commando Memorial before continuing up the glen to Fort Augustus for a break before taking one of the most scenic rides up the ‘other’ side of Loch Ness - the one where the big coaches don’t go - to Inverness and Drumossie. (Drumossie Hotel)
May 25 - Our day starts with a visit to the mysterious clava cairns consisting of three burial chambers each surrounded with a ring of standing stones. And then we pay our respects at Culloden Battlefield and their very new visitor centre. Later in the afternoon we go down the other side of Loch Ness to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle. (Drumossie Hotel)
May 26 - On to the Black Isle to see a sacred spring that dates back before recorded history. This well is used to this day by local people and you will see that evidence. Later we’ll drop into Inverness for a bit of free time in the town before returning to our hotel. (Drumossie Hotel)
May 27 - Today we visit Forres, a highland town with stunning gardens as well as one of the largest Pictish carved stones in Scotland. We then visit the impressive ruins of Elgin Cathedral once the largest in Scotland. Then it’s down through the Grampian Highlands on a wonderfully scenic drive to Ballater. (Craigendarroch Hotel)
May 28 - Royal Deeside is our focus today with a visit to Balmoral Castle, the Queen’s private Castle originally purchased and built by Victoria and Albert. We’ll also pop in to Crathie Church where the Royal Family worships while in Scotland and then to the village of Ballater - the Royals shopping centre. Later we’ll sample the product at the Royal Lochnagar Scotch Whisky Distillery. (Craigendarroch Hotel)
May 29 - Down through the beauty of wild beauty of Loch Shiel and into the gently rolling hills of Perthshire and lunch at the Caithness Glass works where you can watch craftsmen and women blowing and turning the famous glass. After lunch head west to the historic town of Crieff for the next two nights. (Crieff Hydro Hotel)
May 30 - A good day to discover the legends and the truth about Rob Roy Macgregor and to visit his grave at Balquhidder after a scenic drive through Strath Fillan and alongside Loch Earn. Later we’ll stop at Callendar to learn more about Rob Roy and the highlands of the 18th century before returning to our hotel. (Crieff Hydro Hotel)
May 31 - Heading south from Crieff we will visit Stirling Castle where so much of Scotland’s history played out as well as stopping at Bannockburn, where King Robert the Bruce defeated the English in June of 1314. After lunch we’ll continue to Queensferry for a stop at the famous Firth of Forth Rail Bridge, still carrying trains more than 100 years after being constructed. Then it’s on to The Point, our hotel in the shadows of Edinburgh Castle. (The Point, Edinburgh)
June 1 - Our city tour will capture the highlights of the World Heritage City including the Old and New Towns, the Leith Docks where the former Royal Yacht Britannia is berthed, Prince’s Street Gardens and Arthur’s Seat. We will pass by Holyrood Palace and the controversial Houses of Parliament before visiting Edinburgh Castle. (The Point, Edinburgh)
June 2 - A totally free day to explore this marvellous city that has been declared the World Heritage City of Literature. (The Point, Edinburgh)
June 3 - Today we discover the impressive ruins of Linlithgow Palace. This is where James V and his daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots were born. It has a superb setting overlooking the loch. Later we’ll drive through Glasgow with a stop of the famous Cathedral before finishing our journey back at Glasgow Airport. (Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport).
Itinerary is highlights only. As any who have travelled with us in the past know, we include much more than what is shown.
Price: $5,095 per person sharing. Single supplement $1,250 Tour only. Air and insurance not included. Please read fine print on our web site for legal details.
Please note that itineraries can be changed because of weather, road conditions or other matters. We will often switch days or events if we can avoid inclement weather and make your journey more pleasant.
Our Spring Scotland Hotels 2008
HOLIDAY INN GLASGOW AIRPORT - Early & Last nights. When you leave the airport terminal, cross the two lanes of traffic (plenty of crossing places) and walk in the door of the Holiday Inn. You don't need a taxi, just a luggage cart and the ability to walk about 30 yards! A modern well run airport hotel, the Holiday Inn is ideal for an early night and last night. No worrying about waiting for cabs or the coach. And they have an excellent dining room and the best breakfast buffet. www.holiday-inn.com
LOCH MELFORT HOTEL - NEAR ARDUAINE - A four star gem on the shores of Loch Melfort in one of the most peaceful and quiet corners of Argyll. The hotel has won two rosettes for food and numerous other awards over the years. Many of the bedrooms are in the new wing, all with patio doors and a stupendous view over the Sound of Jura. Perfect for our exploration of the Glen of Kilmartin and Dunadd. www.lochmelfort.co.uk
DRUMOSSIE HOTEL - INVERNESS - A newly renovated four star hotel located between Culloden Moor and Inverness. An ideal location close to the city but without the noise of a city hotel. Every modern convenience yet retaining the classic old world highland hospitality and feel. Great tradition and modern cuisine - and an exceptionaly well stocked bar of whiskys. www.drumossiehotel.co.uk
CRAIGENDARROCH HOTEL - BALLATER - A country house hotel in its earlier days, Craidgendarroch is ideally situated in the heart of Royal Deeside. This Hilton hotel is located on the edge of Ballater, the town where the Royals do their shopping while staying at nearby Balmoral. In fact we have seen some of the family in the town. The hotel has an excellent leisure centre and pool as well as good rooms and plenty of entertainment. In fact it has everything you would expect from a four star Hilton. www.hilton.co.uk/craigendarroch
CRIEFF HYDRO HOTEL - CRIEFF - Another of those hotels built in the highlands for people to ‘come and take the waters’. This privately owned hotel is 140 years old and is certainly aging well. Excellent rooms and leisure facilities and dining rooms. Also a great sports hall, lawn bowling and tennis courts and so much more to keep you occupled. However, its close location to so many scenic and historic locations will keep you out of the hotel for most of the time. www.crieffhydro.com
THE POINT HOTEL - EDINBURGH - A boutique hotel in the heart of the City and managed by a good friend of ours. The Point is a very contempory hotel housed in the Victorian Shell of its former life. Many architectural awards have been captured by The Point for its inovative design and function. Just five minutes from the heart of either Princes Street in the New Town, or down to the Grassmarket and the Old Town. Location is so important in Edinburgh. Couple that with friendliness of staff and a great hotel and you have it made here. www.point-hotel.co.uk
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